Plant Details

One of the best dwarf rhododendrons, this species has a tight compact habit with attractive silver-gray foliage. Bright blue-purple flowers make a nice contrast. David G. Leach, in Rhododendrons of the World, suggests an excellent use for it: "This is an ideal species for the rock garden, in the forefront of a shrub border or as an edging for beds. Planted about 15" apart, a number of plants will grow together to form an impenetrable ground cover, handsome at all seasons and especially effective when such an expanse becomes a blanket of blue flowers." One of the best plants possible for bonsai. (RN, rn, Lapponica)